SRA Competence Statement: How to Write Yours

If you are searching for how to write your SRA competence statement, the first thing to know is that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) does not ask you to submit a separate annual written statement. According to the SRA (2026), what you do at renewal is make a declaration, and what stands behind that declaration is your own reflection and your own record of learning. This guide explains what the SRA actually requires, then shows you how to write a clear, honest record. For the wider framework, see our overview of SRA continuing competence for solicitors.

What the SRA means by "competence statement"

The term causes confusion because it is used in two different ways. Some commentary talks about a yearly competence statement that solicitors must write. We found no such requirement on the SRA pages we reviewed. The SRA's own "competence statement" is a framework, not a document you complete.

According to the SRA (2026), the competence statement has three parts:

• The Statement of Solicitor Competence, which sets out the continuing competences the SRA requires from all solicitors.
• The Threshold Standard, which sets the level at which those competences should be performed at the point of qualification (level three on the SRA's scale).
• The Statement of Legal Knowledge, which covers the legal knowledge expected.

The Statement of Solicitor Competence is organised into four groups: A, ethics, professionalism and judgment; B, technical legal practice; C, working with other people; and D, managing yourself and your own work. The SRA says meeting these competences is part of the service and competence requirements in paragraph 3.1 of the Code of Conduct. The Threshold Standard is aimed at newly qualified solicitors, so for most experienced practitioners the Statement of Solicitor Competence is the more useful reference point.

What you actually have to do at renewal

The SRA says practising certificate and registration renewals for 2026/27 run from 1 to 31 October 2026. When you renew, you declare that you:

• have an up-to-date understanding of the legal, ethical and regulatory obligations relevant to your role;
• have reflected on and addressed any learning and development needs you identified; and
• are competent to perform your role.

The SRA also says you should be satisfied that you are acting honestly and with integrity in making the declaration. If you cannot confirm you have maintained your competence, you should say so, and give the reason, when you make the declaration. The SRA can restrict practice where it has concerns about competence based on a declaration or report.

There is no minimum number of hours. The SRA's continuing competence FAQs state there is "no minimum requirement" for hours; the expectation is that you reflect on your practice and complete the learning that keeps you competent. This is why a record of hours alone is not what the SRA is looking for.

Do you have to keep a record?

Here the SRA's wording is nuanced, and it is worth reading carefully. The SRA says keeping records is not itself a regulatory requirement, but you "should consider how you can evidence you are maintaining your competence" if it asks. It does not set a minimum or maximum retention period. At the same time, its guidance on recording and evaluating says that failure to record raises concerns about whether your development needs are being addressed, and that it uses training records, including through reviews of records, to check that solicitors are maintaining competence.

In practice, a short, well-kept record is the most sensible way to stand behind your declaration. The "statement" most solicitors need to write is therefore a reflective record, not a form for the regulator.

A simple method for writing your record

The SRA suggests a four-step cycle: reflect, identify needs, prioritise, and record. You can use its optional learning and development template. If you do not, the SRA says to make sure your evidence includes the need you identified and how you identified it.

Step 1: reflect throughout the year

The SRA suggests reflection should be ongoing rather than a once-a-year exercise. It lists triggers such as finishing a matter, a change in the law, an appraisal, new SRA guidance or a warning notice, or a regular monthly check-in. Its example prompts include what worked well, what could have worked better, whether there were gaps in your knowledge, and how you will address them. It also suggests a "what? so what? now what?" structure.

Step 2: compare your work with the Statement of Solicitor Competence

Look at groups A to D and ask which apply to your role. Include non-technical skills such as client relationships and managing your workload, not only legal knowledge. Supervisors, for example, may want to look at effective supervision in legal practice, and group A links naturally to professional ethics, conflicts and client care.

Step 3: choose how to address each need

The SRA says how you plan and address your needs is up to you, and that courses are not required. Its examples include self-study, events, training, secondments, mentoring, observation, professional networks, peer learning and employer initiatives. If a structured course is the best fit, our CPD hub is a place to look.

Step 4: record, evaluate and anonymise

For each activity, the SRA says to record the activity, the need it was meant to meet and how you identified that need. Merely listing activities does not give adequate assurance. Then note what you learnt, how well it met the need, and what you will do differently. Anonymise any client information.

What a good entry contains

Worked example (illustrative only)

This is an invented example to show the level of detail, not a template to copy word for word. Your entry should reflect your own practice.

"After closing a residential conveyancing file in March, I realised I had been unsure how to advise on a recent change affecting my client's transaction (group B, technical legal practice). I discussed it with my supervising partner, who confirmed this was a gap in my current knowledge. I read the relevant SRA guidance and completed a short online course in April. I learnt how the change affects the checks I run at the start of a matter, and I have added a step to my file-opening checklist. The learning addressed the need, but it also showed I am less confident explaining the position to clients in plain English (group C), so I will observe a colleague's client meetings next quarter."

Notice what it does: it names the need, says how it was spotted, describes the activity, evaluates it, applies it and identifies a new need. No client is identifiable.

What may change: the 2026 consultation

In April 2026 the SRA consulted on strengthening its continuing competence approach. According to the SRA, the consultation ran from 22 April to 15 July 2026 and is now closed, with the SRA analysing responses before deciding how to proceed. The proposals included requiring solicitors to record how they identified and addressed learning needs, retaining evidence of learning for a minimum of three years, and strengthening the renewal declaration. The SRA said any record-keeping rule would take effect from the start of the 2027/28 practising year, and that any change to the rules would need Legal Services Board approval.

These are proposals, not current rules. But if you build the habit of writing a proper record now, you will be ready whichever way the SRA decides.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a yearly SRA competence statement I must submit?

Not according to the SRA pages we reviewed. You make a declaration at renewal. The competence statement is the SRA's framework against which you reflect.

How many CPD hours do I need?

The SRA states there is no minimum requirement for hours. The focus is on reflecting on your practice and addressing the needs you identify.

Do I have to use the SRA template?

No. Using it is optional, but your evidence should show the need you identified and how you identified it.

What if I cannot make the declaration?

The SRA says you should tell it you have not maintained your competence, and give the reason, when making the declaration.

How long should I keep my records?

The SRA currently sets no minimum or maximum retention period. Its April 2026 consultation proposed a minimum of three years, but that is not yet a rule.

Next steps

Treat your record as a working document rather than an annual chore: a few honest lines after each matter or learning activity will make your declaration straightforward and defensible. Check the SRA's current guidance before you renew, because the rules may change following its consultation.